How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault your insurance company will pay for medical costs and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also want to gather evidence and read documents (photos, witness testimonies medical records, as well as expense reports).

The amount you receive depends on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident attorneys accident claim.

Report the Accident

It's important that you report a car crash immediately. In many states, you'll have make this report to the local police department or county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Take pictures of the scene of the accident if you are able to. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and also to support your insurance claim. For instance, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles or weather conditions, among other important details.

It is also important to obtain the details of the other driver, like their name and insurance company. If you are able, also request to see their driver's licence and car registration.

It's also important to record your personal report of the incident, including what you saw and what transpired. If you don't record the details of what transpired, you could be held responsible for injuries or damages that later become apparent. In addition, if fail to report the incident your insurance company could not cover any damages that result from it. You should check your policy or talk to your agent to find out the requirements for filing an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you should do following a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will allow you to avoid any further complications and also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It is recommended to go to an emergency room in a hospital whenever possible after a car wreck. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries sustained at the hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if you don't experience any symptoms immediately such as stiffness or pain it is crucial to see a doctor. These records will be vital in proving that you have suffered injuries related to the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records to build solid evidence that the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries, and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your damages.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you're able capture images of the damaged vehicle from various angles. If you are able to, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you are unable to get close-ups, consider placing objects, like coins, in the image to gauge. You can also capture photographs with or without flash to show hidden details.

Also, you should take photographs of any injuries that you sustained during the accident. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade with time, so your photos will serve as valuable evidence of your injuries later. It's also a good idea to take photos of other things that may be relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not you plan to file a claim due to an auto accident. You may be required to do so under your policy, but even if not the case, your lawyer will need evidence of your losses to support your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).

Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the incident Also, you should collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure that you have their name, the address, number, and details regarding their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers, too.

The first thing you'll want to do following a car accident is argue with insurance companies It is crucial to remain calm. Anything you say when you're feeling emotional could be used against you later on. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. They will review the medical bills and records and will often consult with a medical professional to give their opinion on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give the appropriate amount if they aren't provided with complete and accurate documentation.

You could be entitled to non-economic damages, for example suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If a court decides that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice, it may award punitive damages.

You should notify the police if the motorist at responsible fled the scene. You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report at the police station or online. This is required to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.